m/v Plancius

Our most longstanding vessel, Plancius is a classic choice for some of our most popular polar voyages.


History of Plancius

​M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.

Specifications

Passengers: 108 passengers in 50 cabins
Staff & crew: Crew 40 | Guides 8 | Doctor 1
Length: 89 meters (293 feet)
Breadth: 14,5 meters (47 feet)
Draft: 5 meters (16 feet)
Ice class: 1D (Plancius has a Lloyds class notation 100A1 Passenger ship, Ice Class 1D at a draught of 5 meters)
Displacement: 3211 tonnes
Propulsion: 3x Diesel-Electric
Speed: 10.5 knots average cruising speed

Deck plans and downloads

m/v Plancius cabins


Perfect for any expedition

M/v “Plancius” accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 25 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds).

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Plancius: a vessel with comfort and character

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge.The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. M/v “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets our demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 40 (20 nautical crew and 20 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.

 

Photo gallery

Age and Nationality

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.

Dress code

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.

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Currency & payment

Refreshments from the bar and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the Hotel Manager and pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (Euro or Dollar). We do not accept cheques of any kind. The prices and standard currency on board our vessels is the Euro. Other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager at prevailing rates.

Electric current

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. You may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship's service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is divided among the crew. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 10 - 15 Euro or USD per person per day. It is better for the crew, if you can give them cash.

Non-smoking policy

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in the designated smoking areas. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Your physical condition

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

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Our cruises

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Up to $1750 OFF

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

26 Jul - 4 Aug, 2025

Tripcode: PLA09-25

Last berths Svalbard
  • EN

Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

East and South Greenland Explorer, Incl. flight from Narsarsuaq to Copenhagen
Up to $7050 OFF

East and South Greenland Explorer, Incl. flight from Narsarsuaq to Copenhagen

13 Aug - 2 Sep, 2025

Tripcode: PLA11-25

Free ZEISS binoculars Greenland

East Greenland is among the most remote and least populated areas of the Arctic, a wild place of dramatic fjords, small Inuit settlements, and ancient remains from Viking and Thule cultures. Sail and explore the coastlines of this ruggedly beautiful...

Ultimate East and South Greenland Discovery
Up to $3820 OFF

Ultimate East and South Greenland Discovery

13 Aug - 11 Sep, 2025

Tripcode: PLA11C25

  • EN
  • DE
  • BI

East Greenland is among the most remote and least populated areas of the Arctic, a wild place of dramatic fjords, small Inuit settlements, and ancient remains from Viking and Thule cultures. Sail and explore the coastlines of this ruggedly beautiful...

South Greenland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Incl. flight from Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq
Up to $3250 OFF

South Greenland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Incl. flight from Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq

2 Sep - 11 Sep, 2025

Tripcode: PLA12-25

Free ZEISS binoculars Greenland

Southeast Greenland offers many historic sites relating to ancient Thule, Norse, and Moravian culture while also allowing us to walk in the footsteps of famed polar explorers like Fridtjof Nansen. Glaciers, icebergs, and fjords make for a dazzling environment...

South Georgia Explorer

13 Nov - 27 Nov, 2025

Tripcode: PLA22-25

  • EN

Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy wandering albatross colonies while also seeing some of the biggest breeding spots for king penguins and elephant seals...

Reviews

by Wesley Friedman
Thank you Oceanwide Expeditions for a truly unbelievable and memorable experience on board the Hondius. What an amazing crew, expedition team and ship to explore the Arctic region. When I booked this adventure, my travel agent told me that an expedition on Oceanwide was the only way to visit Svalbard, and they certainly delivered on that promise. This voyage will be remembered as one of our top expedition adventures. A special thanks to the expedition team for giving every one of us on board a lifetime of memories and for making every day a new experience. The team went out of their way to give us all that experience. I will recommend Oceanwide Expeditions to anyone interested in visiting the polar regions. They are definitely the best in the business! My goal was to witness a polar bear in the wild, and while I know viewing wildlife can be hit or miss, the Oceanwide Expedition team delivered us a once in a lifetime experience, thanks to the skillful eyes and the team's determination. How anyone could spot a polar bear in a somewhat foggy ice packed landscape is beyond anyone's imagination, but once spotted, the captain did the impossible to make viewing the King of the Arctic a reality. It was truly the highlight of the trip. Thank you Oceanwide Expeditions!
by Viktoria Draws
Very instructive, beautiful and professionally accompanied
by Tom O' Connell
The trip on Plancius far exceeded my expectations. Every effort was made to get ashore or see wildlife and to maximize time off the ship / encounter with nature. The guides were of an extremely high standard and were extremely enthusiastic. Keep doing what your doing Oceanwide.
by Mary Maguire
The trip exceeded all of my expectations, from start to finish. Julian was a fantastic kayak guide with excellent support from Paulo and Alexis. I would especially like to compliment Rose and Damien who were our dining room stewards, and Victor who minded our cabin 322, we especially loved the towel animals! And the polar bears, what can I say......... a Nat Geo moment
by Wichertje (Willie) Teunissen
The 18 days off this journey were all fantastic. I've seen a lot off birds and animals in there own environment, the beautyfull, sometimes dramatical landscapes. And we where able to walk (dance) on the Pack Ice. Thanks to Captain Jan and his team to bring us there. And of course many thamks to Expeditie leader Chris and his team for all the times to bring us on land or make a zodiac cruise with us. They all are experts in guiding this trip and telling us every thing we wanted to know. I had a great time with a lot to do and to see. And verry good food, served by a ferry friendly crew.
by Roman Simak
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